400 virus deaths at care homes in only six weeks
NEARLY 400 people have died from Covid-19 in the past six weeks in Scottish care homes.
New figures show 65 coronavirus deaths were reported to the Care Inspectorate between December 14 and 20, the latest information available.
The number dipped from 73 the previous week – but since November 16 there have been a total of 398 Covid deaths among people in residential care.
This means an average of about nine care home residents are dying from Covid every day as the second spike gains momentum.
The statistics will fuel concern over the high level of fatalities in care despite the vaccination drive that began this month.
After the first wave of coronavirus, thousands of hospital patients were discharged to care homes without having been tested for Covid, while more than 100 were sent to homes despite having the virus.
Last night Scottish Tory health spokesman Donald Cameron said: ‘Of course, any drop in the number of deaths comes as a relief, but the fact is these figures are still far too high.
‘Countless families have suffered heartache and the SNP Government’s botched handling of the pandemic when it comes to Scotland’s care homes is precisely why an urgent care home inquiry must now take place. Those responsible for decisions made in relation to our care homes must be held responsible.’
No one was available for comment at the Care Inspectorate yesterday.
But a spokesman said recently: ‘Our thoughts are with all those who have lost a loved one during the pandemic. It is vital that all care services f ollow all national guidance to keep people as safe as possible, and we recognise the lengths that care services go to, every day, so that people are kept safe.
‘The Care Inspectorate inspects the quality of care in care homes across Scotland, and our inspections specifically consider and report on how well people’s health and wellbeing is supported and safeguarded during the pandemic.
‘Where we have concerns, we do not hesitate to take action so that care improves.
Summaries of our inspection findings are published in our fortnightly report to the Scottish parliament.
‘We also publish full inspection reports on our website.’
Scottish Government figures show that by December 23, 138 ( 13 per cent) of adult care homes had a current case of suspected Covid.
In the week December 14-20, there were 326 new confirmed positive Covid cases among care home residents.
There have been 6,995 confirmed cases of Covid among residents of care homes for all ages since March 9.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘There is no doubt that Covid has taken a toll on people in care homes. We know that age is one of the biggest risk factors for Covid, as it is for dementia.
‘Our priority throughout the pandemic has been to save lives, and we have an accelerated vaccination programme to ensure that all residents and staff are protected as quickly as feasibly possible.’
The spokesman added: ‘These statistics are a stark reminder of the terrible impact Covid has had on individuals and communities across Scotland.
‘We closely monitor the statistics published by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) and are engaged in a programme of research with Public Health Scotland and NRS to understand the wider impact of Covid on Scotland’s population.’
‘Urgent inquiry must take place’